Sports Physiotherapy Richmond & East Melbourne | Evolutio

Evolutio FAQs - Everything You Need to Know

Treatment & Services

Q: What types of conditions do you treat at Evolutio?

A: We're all about getting active people back to doing what they love. Here's what we see most often:

Running injuries (because Melbourne has some serious runners): ITB syndrome, runner's knee, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and those pesky stress fractures from trying to conquer the Tan Track one too many times.

Cycling injuries (from weekend warriors to daily commuters): Bike fit issues, neck and back pain, knee tracking problems – basically everything that comes from spending quality time on two wheels around Melbourne. We work closely with Ciclo Melbourne for the really technical bike fitting stuff.

CrossFit and HIIT injuries (we love your enthusiasm, but sometimes your body needs a chat): Shoulder impingement, lower back strains, wrist pain, and movement dysfunction from all those burpees and box jumps.

Ball sports injuries (whether it's AFL at the local park or social netball): ACL injuries, ankle sprains, shoulder dislocations, hamstring and groin strains – we've seen it all.

Hip, Shoulder, Knee and Foot Injuries.

Post-surgical rehabilitation: ACL reconstruction, shoulder surgery, joint replacements – we'll get you back stronger than before.

Chronic conditions: Long-term back pain, persistent headaches, and other things that just won't go away on their own.

We also do a lot of performance optimisation and injury prevention work, because honestly, it's way more fun helping you avoid injuries than fixing them after the fact.

Q: What should I expect during my first visit (Initial Assessment)?

A: Right, so your first visit is a proper 45-minute deep dive – not the rushed 30-minute affairs you might get elsewhere. Here's how we roll:

We actually listen to your story – your injury saga, what you’re trying to get back to, your training background and time to train, your knowledge of your own body and awareness of your own body, your understanding of the issue, how it is affecting both your mental state and the state of those around you. We want to understand how your injury is really affecting you and how we can help you.

Thorough physical exam – we'll test joint mobility, muscle strength, movement patterns, and do a proper postural analysis. If you're a runner, we might get you on the treadmill. If you're into CrossFit, we'll check your squat and deadlift form.

Sport-specific testing – because fixing a cyclist's knee pain is different from fixing a footballer's knee pain, even if it's the same knee. We’ll use VALD testing equipment if needed to get some specific objective measurements that we can use for reassesment and to measure our improvement.

Proper explanation – we'll tell you what's actually wrong, why it happened, and give you a realistic timeline for getting better. No medical jargon unless you're into that sort of thing.

Immediate treatment – you won't leave without getting some hands-on work done and feeling like something's been achieved.

Your game plan – exercises you can start right away, how often you'll need to see us, and what to expect along the way.

The best part? Within 48 hours, you'll get a detailed email from your physio with everything we discussed, plus video demonstrations of your exercises. Because who remembers exercise instructions when they're in pain?

Want to know more about what makes our assessments different? Check out our team page to see which physio might be your perfect match.

Q: How long does a typical physiotherapy session last?

A: Initial assessments: 45 minutes (industry standard is usually 30 minutes)
Follow-up treatments: 30-45 minutes depending on your needs
NDIS appointments: Up to 60 minutes for complex cases
Virtual consultations: 30-45 minutes for assessment and exercise instruction

We never rush appointments - you get the time needed for proper treatment.

Q: What makes Evolutio different from other physio clinics?

A: Specific measurable differences:

• 45-minute initial assessments (vs. 30 minutes elsewhere)

• Highly qualified Physiotherapists with a minimum of 5 years of experience, up to 10 years of experience, working with patients in private practice.

• We actually listen to you and care about how your injury is affecting your mental health

• We Work with the Best Surgeons in Melbourne and Radiologists

• Same physiotherapist every session (no rotating through different practitioners)

• 48-hour email follow-up with detailed treatment plan and exercises

• WhatsApp support for qualifying members between appointments

• Performance focus - not just injury treatment, but optimisation to prevent the injury from coming back

• Sports specialisation - We’ve got Physiotherapists with specific skills and high-level experience in AFL, CrossFit, Powerlifting, Olympic Lifting, Ultra Marathon Running, Elite Cycling, Swimming, and Triathlons.

• Evidence-based practice combined with extensive hands-on experience and VALD testing equipment

• Green Card - Earn a stamp every time you visit the clinic with clean energy (walking, running, cycling, skateboarding), and after 10 sessions, receive a complimentary session on us.

• Authentic environment - Incredible warehouse space, handmade wooden dining table for the waiting are with specialty coffee, not clinical sterility

  Q. What's actually different about your Richmond physio clinic?

  A: Right, so most physio clinics give you 30 minutes, rotate you through different practitioners, and have that sterile medical vibe that makes you feel like you're in a hospital. We're the opposite. You get 45-minute initial assessments in Richmond, the same physiotherapist every time (they'll get to know you, your goals, and probably your coffee order), and a space that feels more like a Melbourne warehouse café than a clinic. Smooth indie tunes, coffee available, handmade wooden furniture – we're not kidding about the "heart and soul" thing.

  Q. Do you actually specialise in sports physiotherapy or is that just marketing?

  Ha! Fair question. We genuinely specialise in sports physio – it's what we do all day, every day. Our Richmond physiotherapy team has worked with everyone from weekend park runners to AFL players, elite cyclists, CrossFit competitors, and international athletes. We're not a general physio clinic trying to be everything to everyone. If you're active and something hurts, that's our sweet spot.

  Q. I'm in East Melbourne – is Richmond too far to travel for physio?

  It's an 8-minute walk from Jolimont Station or a quick bike ride. Heaps of our East Melbourne clients come to us because we're basically neighbours, plus we've got free parking out front and secure bike storage. The quality of treatment is worth the short trip, and you'll probably spend more time in the waiting room at other places than you will getting here.

  Q. How quickly can I get back to running/cycling/CrossFit after an injury?

  Depends entirely on what you've done to yourself (and how spectacularly you did it). Minor stuff? Could be 2-4 weeks. Overuse injuries? 6-12 weeks typically. ACL reconstruction? We're looking at 10-12 months for return to sport. We'll give you honest timelines at your Richmond physio appointment and update them as you progress. We're not about rushing you back too fast – that's how you end up injured again.

  Q. Can I actually message my physio between appointments?

  If you're a member, yes! You get WhatsApp access to your specific physiotherapist during business hours. Got a weird new pain and wondering if it's normal? Message them. Not sure if you should modify your training this week? Ask. It's pretty handy and stops you from spiraling at 2am about whether that twinge means disaster.

  Q. What if I've tried other physios in Melbourne and nothing's worked?

  Yeah, we hear this a lot. Sometimes it's because previous treatments weren't specific enough to your sport and body. Sometimes it's because you didn't get enough time with the practitioner. Sometimes it's because the approach just wasn't right. Our Richmond sports physio team does comprehensive assessments, treats the root cause (not just symptoms), and gives you the time and attention needed to actually solve the problem. Book a 45-minute initial assessment and let's figure out what's been missed.

  Q. Do you treat recreational athletes or just elite competitors?

  Absolutely both! We love the full spectrum. Whether you're trying to get back to walking the dog pain-free, training for your first 5K, smashing it in age-group competitions, or competing at elite level – we tailor everything to what you actually need. The treatment quality doesn't change based on your athletic level. We're here for everyone from first-time exercisers to professional athletes.

  PRICING & INSURANCE

Q: How much does physiotherapy cost at Evolutio?

A: Our rates

• Initial Phyiotherapy Assessment (45 minutes): $175

• Follow-up Treatment (30-45 minutes): $125

• NDIS Sessions: $193.99

Q: Is Physiotherapy covered by private health insurance?

A: Absolutely! And here's the good news – most of our clients pay just $50-70 out-of-pocket per session with their private health insurance.

We've got HICAPS, so we process your rebate on the spot. You literally just tap your health fund card, pay the gap amount, and you're done. No waiting weeks for reimbursements or filling out claim forms.

We work with all the major health funds: Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, Australian Unity – basically, if you've got extras cover that includes physio, we can probably sort you out.

Q: Do you bulk-bill or accept government schemes?

A: For DVA Gold Cards, we can bulk bill; for all other government schemes, we take a gap payment. You can read more via our detailed FAQ section on billing.

• Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plans from your GP

• WorkSafe Victoria – for workplace injuries

• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) – motor vehicle accident injuries

• DVA Gold Cards – Department of Veterans Affairs

• NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme

BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

Q: How far in advance do I need to book?

A: We normally have same day appointments, but at times we can be booked up in advance. But before you panic, that's actually a good thing. It means people love coming here and keep coming back (and referring their mates).

• Standard appointments: Same day or in the current week

• Same-day/urgent slots: We hold some spots for acute injuries (call us on 03 9100 3798) or whatsapp us or look online for a spot

• Cancellation waitlist: Jump on our contact form or whatsapp us and get notified when earlier spots open up

• Virtual consultations: Usually available within 48 hours if you can't wait

• Weekend appointments: Book 3-4 weeks ahead (they go fast)

The silver lining? Once you're in the system and we know you, follow-up appointments are much easier to schedule.

Q: Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a physiotherapist?

A: No, in Australia, you don’t need a referral to see a Physiotherapist in private practice, you can book online or give us a call and come straight in.

The exceptions (when you DO need a referral):

• WorkSafe claims – your employer or WorkSafe Victoria needs to set it up

• TAC claims – for transport accidents

• EPC plans – these come from your GP for chronic conditions

• Some insurance policies – rare, but worth checking with your health fund

Q: Can I book online or do I need to call?

A: Multiple ways to get sorted:

• Online booking – available 24/7, shows real-time availability (this is probably your easiest option)

• Phone: 03 9100 3798 during business hours

• WhatsApp: +61 430 436 531 for quick questions and booking help

• Walk-in: Limited same-day availability, but worth a shot if you're desperate

• Email: info@evolutio.com.au (but not great for urgent bookings)

Pro tip: Online booking shows you exactly when each of our physios is available, so you can pick your favourite team member and a time that works for you.

Q: What are your opening hours?

A: We're here when you need us (especially if you're one of those people who can't take time off work):

• Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM

• Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed (even physios need a day off)

The 7:30PM finish during the week is a game-changer for CBD workers – you can actually get here after work without stressing about it.

SPORTS & ACTIVITY-SPECIFIC

Q: Do you treat both recreational and elite athletes?

A: Absolutely – we love the full spectrum! Our client list is pretty diverse:

Weekend warriors getting back to social touch footy or their park run PB attempts, competitive club athletes training for state championships, elite and professional athletes (we've worked with AFL players, professional cyclists, and international runners), first-time exercisers who've decided it's time to get moving, and age-group competitors smashing it in cycling, triathlon, and running events around Melbourne.

The treatment approach changes based on your goals, but the quality doesn't. Whether you're trying to get back to walking the dog pain-free or preparing for the Melbourne Marathon, we'll tailor everything to what you actually need.

Q: How long before I can return to my sport/activity?

A: Ah, the million-dollar question. Here's the thing – we hate giving you generic timelines because everyone's different, but we also know you want some idea of what you're looking at:

Rough guidelines (and we mean rough):

• Minor muscle strains: 2-4 weeks if you don't do anything silly

• Acute joint sprains: 4-8 weeks, depending on how spectacular the injury was

• Overuse injuries: 6-12 weeks (these are trickier because they've been building up)

• Post-surgical: 3-12 months depending on what got fixed

• Chronic conditions: Ongoing management, but you should feel significantly better in 8-16 weeks

We'll give you a much more specific timeline during your assessment once we know what we're dealing with. And we update it regularly based on how you're tracking.

Q: Can you help prevent injuries, not just treat them?

A: Prevention is honestly our favourite thing to do (way more fun than fixing you up after you've broken yourself):

We do movement screening to spot the problems before they become problems, strength and conditioning programs tailored to your sport, biomechanical analysis to make you more efficient (and less likely to hurt yourself), load management strategies for when your enthusiasm exceeds your body's current capabilities.

For the desk warriors among you, we do workplace ergonomics advice because your laptop setup is probably terrible. And for team sports, we offer pre-season screening for clubs and individuals.

Heaps of our clients come in quarterly for "performance MOTs" even when nothing's wrong. Smart approach, if you ask us.

Q: Do you provide specialised services for cycling?

A: Melbourne's cycling scene is huge, and we're right there with you. We handle most cycling injuries and issues in-house, but for the really technical bike fitting stuff, we partner with Ciclo Melbourne – they're absolute wizards with bike positioning.

Whether you're commuting along the Capital City Trail, training for Around the Bay, or just trying to get through your weekend ride without your neck killing you, we've got you sorted.

We do cycling-specific rehabilitation programs, return-to-cycling protocols after injury, performance optimization for competitive cyclists, and injury prevention strategies for everyone from casual commuters to serious racers.

CLINICAL & TREATMENT

Q: What treatment techniques do you use?

A: We're pretty hands-on here – think evidence-based treatment with a human touch, not just exercises sent via email:

Manual therapy – joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy (the good stuff that actually requires skilled hands)

Exercise prescription that's actually specific to you – strength training, movement re-education, sport-specific drills that prepare you for real life

Movement analysis – we watch how you move and fix the bits that aren't working optimally

Load management – helping you train smart so you don't break yourself again

Education – you'll understand what's wrong and how to manage it yourself (knowledge is power and all that)

Performance training – strength and conditioning to get you back better than before

The key is we combine all these approaches rather than just doing one thing and hoping for the best.

Q: Will I see the same physiotherapist every time?

A: Yes, and this is actually a big deal. You'll get assigned to one of our amazing team members and they'll stick with you from start to finish.

No need to re-explain your story at every visit. No starting from scratch with different treatment approaches. Your physio gets to know your body, your goals, and how you respond to treatment. It's like having a personal physio who actually knows you.

For our members, you can even WhatsApp your specific practitioner between appointments if you've got questions. Pretty handy when you're wondering if that new pain is normal or not.

Q: Do you provide exercise programs I can do at home? A: Absolutely – and they're actually good ones. None of those generic photocopied sheets from 1995:

Customised programs specific to your condition and goals, video demonstrations sent via email after your appointments (because who remembers how to do exercises when they get home?), progressive difficulty levels as you improve, equipment recommendations for home setup, and modification instructions for different environments (home, gym, hotel room when you're travelling).

We update your program regularly as your condition changes. The idea is to make you as independent as possible while still getting the best results.

Q: What if I'm not happy with my treatment?

A: We want to know about it immediately

Talk to your practitioner straight away if something's not feeling right. We can adjust treatment approaches based on your feedback and progress. If you want a different perspective, we can arrange for you to see another team member for a second opinion.

And if you're still not happy, contact our clinic director, Bayden Campbell, directly at bayden@evolutio.com.au – he'll sort it out.

We track your progress closely, so if you're not improving as expected, we investigate why and change our approach. Your recovery is the goal, and if something's not working, we pivot.

MEMBERSHIP & ONGOING CARE

Q: What are your membership programs?

A: Ah, our memberships – they're pretty special and only available to select clients after you've been seeing us for a while and we've built up that relationship.

Here's what you get:

• Priority booking

• WhatsApp support with your dedicated physiotherapist during business hours (have a question about whether that new twinge is normal? Just text)

• Reduced session rates for ongoing care

• Online programming tailored specifically to your sport – whether that's running, cycling, triathlon, or strength and conditioning

• Quarterly performance assessments even when you're not injured (preventative care at its finest)

You can't just buy your way into membership – it's invitation-only after we've worked together and know you're committed to your health and training. If you think you might qualify, drop us a line at info@evolutio.com.au.

Q: Do you offer virtual/telehealth consultations? A: Yes, and they're surprisingly effective for certain situations:

Great for:

• Initial assessments for some conditions (we can see a lot just by watching how you move)

• Follow-up consultations when you don't need hands-on work

• Exercise instruction and form correction (cameras are brilliant for this)

• Interstate or international clients (we've got fans all over the place)

• Busy professionals who literally cannot get to the clinic

• Injury prevention consultations

What you need: Smartphone or laptop with a decent camera, stable internet, and a quiet space where you can move around a bit for assessment.

They're particularly handy for our running clients – we can analyze your gait, assess your training program, and provide exercise modifications without you having to travel to Richmond.

LOCATION & ACCESS

Q: Where is Evolutio located and how do I get there?

A: Central Richmond location - easy access across Melbourne:

Address: 11/3 Bromham Place, Richmond VIC 3121 Train: 8-minute walk from Richmond Station (all lines) Tram: Multiple routes along Swan Street and Bridge Road Bike: Secure parking available, bike-friendly location Car: Free 2-4 hour street parking available Bus: Multiple routes serve the Richmond area

Travel times from major Melbourne areas:

• CBD: 15 minutes | South Yarra: 10 minutes | Collingwood: 8 minutes

• Hawthorn: 12 minutes | St Kilda: 20 minutes | Carlton: 18 minutes

Q: Is parking available? A: Free street parking:

• Bromham Place: 2-4 hour parking limits

• Surrounding streets: Additional parking within 2-3 blocks

• Bike parking: Secure storage available

• Wheelchair accessible building and parking

CONTACT & COMMUNICATION

Q: What's the best way to contact you?

A: Multiple contact options:

• Urgent bookings: Phone 03 9100 3798 (business hours)

• General inquiries: WhatsApp +61 430 436 531

• Detailed questions: Email info@evolutio.com.au

• Online booking: www.evolutio.com.au/book-in (fastest)

• Treatment questions: Direct contact with your assigned physiotherapist

• Complaints/concerns: Bayden Campbell - bayden@evolutio.com.au

Response times:

• Phone: During business hours

• WhatsApp: Within 2-4 hours (business days)

• Email: Within 24 hours (business days)

Other Questions? Read Our More Details FAQ Page here